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On April 8, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office successfully apprehended Brittini Daine Paulk, a 40-year-old wanted felon with outstanding warrants in multiple jurisdictions across Georgia and Oklahoma. At the time of her arrest, Paulk was wanted by the Upson County Sheriff’s Office for numerous charges, including failure to appear for forgery in the first degree, identity fraud, driving without a license (suspended) and no insurance. Further investigation revealed that Paulk was also wanted by the Doraville Police Department on a bench warrant for failure to appear in relation to a traffic offense involving the creation of a…

On the evening of April 9, 2025, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic violence incident near the intersection of Highway 158 West and Bud Hutcheson Road. Deputies made contact with 21-year-old Audra Jade Dyal, who stated that she had been involved in a verbal altercation with another individual at Baker Express. According to Ms. Dyal, the individual was cussing and screaming at her, and she admitted to physically striking the individual in response to the verbal abuse. Deputies later spoke with the other individual involved at a nearby residence, where the incident reportedly escalated. The individual…

On the evening of April 12, 2025, deputies responded to a residence near Jackson Lane regarding a disturbance involving an individual reportedly beating on a door while wearing a mask and holding what was believed to be a weapon. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals at the scene, including the subject of the call, 36-year-old William Baskin of Valdosta. A preliminary investigation revealed that Baskin had arrived at the residence seeking money. During the encounter, Baskin initially refused to cooperate with deputies and attempted to leave the scene but eventually complied. Deputies confirmed that the homeowner no longer…

The City of Douglas is excited to participate in Georgia Cities Week, which is sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Approaching the 26th year of Georgia Cities Week, it offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community’s achievements and recognize the hard work of both volunteers and city employees. Last year, over 160 cities, including Douglas, participated in various programs and events to honor this week dedicated to celebrating Georgia’s cities. This year’s celebration will take place from April 21 to April 26, 2025, and will include a variety of events. The theme for this year’s Georgia Cities Week…

Jesse Cleveland McLeod, age 90, of Louisville, KY, passed away on Friday, April 11th, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on January 8th, 1935 the son of John Cleveland McLeod and Lota Bell Davis McLeod. Survivors include: his beloved wife; Wilma Ricketson McLeod of Louisville, KY, one son; Gary (Sandy) McLeod of Louisville, KY, one daughter; Sandra Kay McLeod of Brunswick, GA, one grandchild; Philip Ryan (Monet) McLeod, along with several nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by: one son; Dennis Wayne McLeod, five brothers, five sisters, one son in law; John…

On April 11, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 47-year-old Scott Mercier in connection with a domestic dispute that led to charges of battery – family violence. Deputies responded to a residence near Heidi Lane and Stewart Lane after receiving a 911 call placed by Mercier. Upon arrival, Mercier informed deputies that he had been involved in a physical altercation with an individual at a family member’s home while attempting to pick up his brother. He claimed the individual charged him, prompting him to strike the person with an unknown object in what he described as an…

Jeff Davis County deputies arrested a wanted fugitive from Alma and a suspected drug dealer in Hazlehurst during separate investigations earlier this month. On Thursday, April 3, 2025, Jeff Davis County deputies located a wanted fugitive from Alma at a residence in Jeff Davis County. Law enforcement approached Jonathan Taylor and informed him of his outstanding warrants. Taylor initially complied with law enforcement then suddenly attempted to flee on foot. A short foot chase took place before deputies were able to detain him. A search incident to arrest revealed Taylor to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. Taylor was…

Sheriff Fred Cole is once again urging community members to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to financial scams. Recently, scammers have been targeting local residents with fraudulent claims that they must pay a fee to resolve a bench warrant outside of court. This is a scam—no legitimate government agency, including those in Coffee County, offers such a service. Law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone to avoid arrest, cancel a warrant, or issue threats for non-compliance. Additionally, agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards, prepaid cards, Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, cryptocurrency, or any other…

By: Stan Popovich Are you having trouble finding places to get some assistance for your mental health? Nowadays, many places have waiting lists, and some places can be very expensive. This can be very frustrating when you need help right away. As a result, here are 7 options you can use to start the process of getting some assistance as quickly as possible. 1. Contact your doctor: Your doctor is a great source in finding available mental health resources in your area. Explain your situation to your doctor and ask if he or she knows of anyone that can help you. Chances are…

Betty Jean Foskey Woods, age 84, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Memorial Health Hospital in Waycross, GA following an extended illness. Ms. Woods was born on June 30, 1940, in Douglas, GA, to the late Benjamin Franklin Foskey and Addie Taylor Foskey. Survivors include: one son; James David (Billie Kay) Woods of Douglas, GA, three daughters; Debbie Woods of Douglas, GA, Cathy (Steve) Phillips of Douglas, GA, Cheryl (John) Adams of Douglas, GA, one brother; Wayne (Kathy) Foskey of Lizella, GA, one sister; Jan (Cleve) Tyre of Douglas, GA, ten grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren,…